Rizor, who was expected to be a starting linebacker, was kicked off the team for an undisclosed violation of team rules. He would have been a three-year starter at the bandit position.

He had 112 tackles, including 17 tackles for a loss, and 9.5 sacks over the past two season.

Rizor was not the only player kicked off the football team yesterday. He was joined by Kalik Barnes, a quarterback, who also violated team rules.

“John and Kalik made decisions that are not consistent with what we expect from members of our program,” Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore said. “My hope is that this will serve as a learning experience not only for John and Kalik but for every player in our program.”